From the dark recesses of grief, Chenoa Nickerson's family send out a ray of hope

Gilbert, Arizona: When it was revealed that Gilbert woman, Chenoa Nickerson, lost her life in a violent flash flood that struck the Havasu Canyon area last week, her family and friends were shattered.

Nickerson was hiking with her husband when the flood hit, separating the couple in the chaos. While her husband was rescued by a group of rafters, Nickerson was unable to escape the floodwaters.

But from deep within the darkness of their own personal despair, the Nickerson family is sending out a ray of light by honoring Chenoa's memory. In lieu of seeking support for themselves, the family has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the National Park Service Search and Rescue team, the group responsible for saving so many lives during the flood. The campaign has alread raised $14,000 of its $500,000 target.

"We know that oftentimes those organizations are underfunded," Chenoa's brother Josh Walters tol FOX10. "Those individuals often need new equipment and more funds for follow-on training." The family is determined to ensure that Chenoa's legacy lives on by supporting the rescue team that worked tirelessly to save others in the canyon.

"Obviously, it's devastating and horrible," Walters added. "But now, we just want to honor her legacy. Our family wants for nothing; we have each other, our friends, and the unwavering support of everyone online."

More than 100 hikers were rescued after the sudden floodwaters surged through the canyon, creating a life-threatening situation for those in the remote region.